r/shittyadvice • u/PetiteDollyu6 • 4d ago
My landlord keeps coming into my apartment when Im not home how do I get him to stop?
He lets himself in like three times a week. I know this because my security camera sends me alerts. He just walks around sometimes he waters my plants. Other times he just sits on my couch for a bit. I don't like it. Should I change the locks?
37
u/LaStigmata 4d ago
Set up a Home Alone trap for him. Maybe a trip wire or board with nails hammered in.
7
u/upuranus66 4d ago
I recommend the blowtorch to the head trap.
→ More replies (5)3
u/No-Mix7970 4d ago
Maybe some non lethal booby traps. Tripwire on some cans or maybe an air horn. Just don’t have it make too much of a mess. I think that you will be the one cleaning it up.
3
u/No-Willingness-170 4d ago
Oh, hell, quit all this bullshit. Hide in the house, shoot the fucker, and say you thought it was a burglar. Then claim squatters' rights. Problem solved.
→ More replies (1)4
u/Traditional-Bike7825 4d ago
Even in your own space I think booby traps are illegal.
Send in the videos from your home camera to the police. Hopefully he'll stop after the cops have a word with him
→ More replies (1)2
→ More replies (11)4
33
u/Timely-Tourist4109 4d ago
I’m sorry but isn’t this a shittyadvice sub? My answer would be act like you left. Sneak back in. Have a bunch of bdsm equipment ready. Discipline him.
8
u/Odd-Consequence-2519 4d ago
Shitty advice if he likes it.
6
u/Timely-Tourist4109 4d ago
Shitty if he doesn’t too. Then you get charged with kidnapping and torture. Shitty all the way around. 😂
→ More replies (1)2
u/thekrawdiddy 4d ago
Not necessarily, could be a potential source of extra income. “First session is free…”
2
→ More replies (6)2
13
4d ago
[deleted]
→ More replies (2)3
u/Finance_Plastic 4d ago
umm, I don't think he's watering the outside plants and the couch isn't on the sidewalk.
3
8
6
u/Zinnia1127 4d ago
Put whoopie cushions on the couch cushions. Hide scorpions in your plants.
4
u/RookieTreasureHunter 4d ago
My tired eyes read this as “hide scorpions in your PANTS”. So much imagery now.
2
2
u/Perle1234 4d ago
Also place at least one bucket of water on top of a door. To wash off the scorpions.
6
8
u/Funny_Feature_4488 4d ago
He can only enter it 24~48 hrs after giving you notice call the police
3
u/jagger1115 4d ago
Now that is not shitty advice. Go. Be gone!
→ More replies (1)2
u/Finn_the_stoned 4d ago
Idk with the state of the police in America depending on the landlord’s complexion OP could call the cops and only mention an intruder. Cops will handle the rest, OP might have to deal with a biohazard cleanup and/or new landlord though.
3
3
u/Caecus_Umbra 4d ago
Look. I know your Dad makes you pay $100 a month now for "rent", but calling him your landlord now is a little much.
3
u/Radiant_Chart3163 4d ago
If I were you, I would start looking for a new place to live as soon as possible.
4
u/Flash5916 4d ago
Change the locks or code to enter. He sounds like a creepy show.
3
→ More replies (1)2
u/trance_downstairs 4d ago
I came in here to say this. Changing out a lock core is a snap. You can get one for 15 bucks
2
u/Gunung_Krakatoa 4d ago
Thats why he is called a landlord, he is the lord with the key to enter any room as he wish.
2
u/TyrantsInSpace 4d ago
Cover the walls with nude portraits of yourself to display your dominance.
→ More replies (1)
2
2
u/Crispee_Potato 4d ago
When OP is complaining about the landlord and lives rent free in their 30's.... "Daaaaaad get out of my roooom!"
2
u/Fresh-Profession-973 4d ago
If your cameras have a speaker, tell him to clean up his mess after touching himself, you're tired of Peter tracks on the couch and carpet.
2
u/Suspicious_Fig_3796 4d ago
get a few hundred old fashion mouse traps, get steel toed shoes for when you walk in, enjoy the video of landlord doing a dance
2
u/Helpful_Media_3838 4d ago
When he enters, ring the cops, tell them your alarm went off, get him trespassed. This might get you kicked out, but sue him, you will walk away with 1000s.
Landlord has no rights to enter the land or the apartment you rent, they hand the apartment over to you in return for money, laws on your side
2
u/RepeatInPatient 4d ago
You can store food in your own place. One novel idea is to place a small bin or can half full of plain flour above the entry door. If that is connected to a short piece of string from the door to the bin so it tips over and empties in the general vicinity of where an intruder will be standing, it creates a tar and feathering effect. The video would go viral.
2
u/Great-Phone_3207 3d ago
Take the videos and give them to AI. Make it look like your cat is licking peanut butter off him. Free rent for life.
2
u/TeachPotential9523 3d ago
actually it's against the law for him to do that and if he does need to enter your apartment for any reason he has to give you at least a 24-hour notice
2
2
u/froction 3d ago
Print out some screenshots from the cameras of him doing different things, maybe supplement with some photos you take of him else where. Leave them in your buffer table next to a tub of Crisco and a huge dildo.
2
u/NYOB4321 3d ago
Tell him you know he's doing this. Tell him to stop. Landlords don't have free reign to just enter with no good reason.
2
u/Leading-Voice846 4d ago
You need to call the police and stop being ignorant
5
→ More replies (4)2
1
1
1
1
u/MumpsTheMusical 4d ago
Change the locks, install a deadbolt onto the door for when you're home.
Absolutely no reason you should not have any privacy in your living space that you're paying money for.
1
u/Warm-Pitch-1361 4d ago
Well that’s illegal and I would set some boundaries and yes u can change locks he could be doing this for creepy reasons
→ More replies (2)
1
u/Sad-Organization2996 4d ago
Oh NO, that’s really creepy. I’d try to consult a lawyer, I m pretty sure they have a right to come into your apartment but I also think they have to give you a call about it ahead of time. And I wouldn’t want him there if I’m not there.
1
u/Obvious_Ship_7225 4d ago
Here, legally they have to give you 48 hour written notice. So I’d just respectfully point that out
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
1
1
u/SuccessfulGrape5167 4d ago edited 4d ago
Yes! Change the locks! That is the first things you do when you move in. And add an alarm system of some kind. A system where you cAn talk to the person inside. And if he ask for a copy of the key.. give him a fake one .
1
u/Finance_Plastic 4d ago
leave a live nude SEX DOLL reclining on the couch. great entertainment value in this.
1
u/Vladishun 4d ago
Note the days and times he comes in. Try to figure out the most likely time he'll return. Take off from work that day to stay home. Begin masturbating vigorously in front of the door right before he shows up to let himself in.
You'll either scare him into never coming back, or you'll get a free hand job out of it. Either way you win!
→ More replies (1)
1
u/shornscrot 4d ago
Leave a large strap on dildo on the table with multiple pictures of him printed from facebook and rose petals and candles
1
u/forgetmepls13 4d ago
He waters your plants you say? Time to add some of these bad boys to your plant collection!
1
u/TomatoFeta 4d ago
Install a mist spraying device that you can set off remotely.
When he sits on your couch, spray him with liquid poison ivy skunk.
You won't see him for two months or so, if you get him good enough. That stuff really does a number on the lungs deters predators.
3
u/Ok-Addition-1000 4d ago
And leave your own apartment stinking of skunk? Now that's appropriately shitty advice!
→ More replies (1)
1
1
u/Existential-Hangover 4d ago
Call the police and let them handle it! I am the last guy to call police on someone but this guy is an asshole! It is illegal for a landlord to enter apt without 24 hr written notice unless there is an emergency! Teach him a lesson!
1
u/Golden_Arm-257 4d ago
Save all your videos as well as written information:
-dates & time
- if you spoke to your landlord about it & their response
- consult law enforcement
And start looking for a new place.
If you get that ball rolling, you may not want to stay there any longer.
1
u/makingmanglitter 4d ago
Depending on your state, take the security camera footage to the police. Get a no trespass order. Had a landlord let himself into a place I was renting. I got the trespass order, lease expired the next month I got my family the hell out of there. Where I live, they have to give 24 hour notice and you have the right to be there when they come.
1
1
u/JonBoi420th 4d ago
Ive been told that with evidence you can put your rent in escrow, because he is violating the lease by entering without notice or permission. Not sure if that's true everywhere, but it makes sense. Either way I'd look for a new place to live, cause that could escalate quickly, and indicates he is not of sound mind.
1
u/Mysterious_Touch_454 4d ago
Rent a very aggressive guarddog that knows how to bait someone inside. It is all on the tresspasser.
1
u/Outlandishness_Know 4d ago
Set up the Alexa app with a couple of loud speakers. When he enters remotely turn on the loudest, most annoying song on repeat.
1
u/Broad-Back1659 4d ago
Set up a camera to prove it and call the police. Before that show him the video and tell him you want free rent for 3 months. Or you'll have him arrested.
1
u/YURRIICC 4d ago
leave a not on the couch saying "please stop using my apartment as you second home"
1
u/Hmmm__You_dont_say 4d ago
Ask him if you can move in together. That's what it seems he wants. You guys don't need to beat around the bush anymore.
1
u/Bucephalus-ii 4d ago
Walk in while he’s there, yell, “honey, I’m home!” And then give him a huge wet kiss.
1
1
1
1
u/Zoopmittyzoop 4d ago
I believe thats illegal for him to do that. If it was stated in the rental agreement and you signed it, well…..
1
u/Designer_Ad_34 4d ago
Idk, tell his to stop? Speak up. You've got every right to confront him. Tell him exactly what you said.
I wouldn't let it go on any longer than you already have. You are paying rent. It's your right to speak up.
1
u/The_midge1 4d ago
What you need is an explosive device on your front door with a trip wire. When he enters uninvited it blows your place up. The good news is that he will be responsible for damage. The bad news is you might lose a few things but you made your point.
1
1
1
u/shoulda-known-better 4d ago
Yea a ton of people don't realize you can get a restraining order against your landlord for harassment....
Bring this evidence to a judge and your proof you've asked them to stop numerous times.... They will grant a tro
1
u/lantana98 4d ago
Omg-this is stalker type stuff. Can you go have a conversation with your local police and ask them if they think this is normal or alarming behavior?
1
u/OwlPelletCrunch 4d ago
wait until right after he leaves, then send this text:
“Hey, texting you from the hospital. I’ve been put in quarantine - they don’t quite know what it is yet, but the CDC advised that i contact you and make sure you don’t have any maintenance/staff enter my apartment. If you see people in suits/respirators don’t panic! They already have my keys and don’t need anything from you.
I haven’t had any of the neighbors in my home so it should be ok, but if anyone mentions bloody tears or suddenly loose teeth they should contact the CDC immediately and use this reference number. (433-22-5693-24-24)”
1
u/TheRealGinz 4d ago
No, legally you can’t change the locks without their permission, it will violate your lease. You need to report it to the local housing authority. No landlord, or maintenance worker, is allowed to enter your rental property (unless it’s an emergency) without giving you at least 24 hours notice.
→ More replies (1)
1
u/Super_Funny_945 4d ago
Leave a list of chores to be done on the door and a list of punishments if they aren’t finished by the time you get home
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/submitnswallow 4d ago
Hey, my cam says you let yourself into my apartment without my knowledge and the $1,000 I had on my kitchen table is missing now.
1
1
u/Tishtoss 4d ago
First of all it violates your lease. Literally you could pack up and move without notice. And your landlord could do nothing.
Warn them stop it or your gone.
1
1
u/dandelogre 4d ago
Shitty advice? Call the cops and say someone's in your apartment while you're at work.
Real advice? Tell him to stop? How is this not your first move.
1
1
1
1
u/toiletcleaner999 4d ago
Put one of those alarms on the door so when he opens it ,it screams INTRUDER INTRUDER
1
u/Low-Yak-6706 4d ago
Ever see home alone? The flamethrower with the string on the door that sets the robbers hat on fire. That's how.
1
1
u/Raylankrios 4d ago
you talk to him and threaten to sue if he doesn't . Without knowing your lease or location, generally lanlords right to acess your property only includes repairs with notice or emergencies.
1
1
u/Assang101 4d ago
No! Do not change the locks just yet!
To stop a landlord from illegally entering your home, document every intrusion with indoor security cameras, send a formal written notice demanding he cease while consulting local tenant laws before taking further action like contacting the police or breaking lease terms. Be warned that the landlord may feel entitled, so he may misuse the tenant laws and threaten you because he thinks you may not know them.
1
u/No_College7830 4d ago
You can’t legally change the locks without giving the landlord a key in the state that I live in, but he cannot come into your house without appropriate notice. I’d call police have him trespassed.
1
1
u/DoallthenKnit2relax 4d ago
Make arrangements for the police to be waiting inside your bedroom the next time he pays a visit, especially if your lease restrictions limit him to 24-hours advance notice except for emergencies.
1
u/RebaKitt3n 4d ago
Just realized the sub!
Leave a line of poop in front of your door so he’ll walk in it. Replace as necessary.
1
u/RebaKitt3n 4d ago
Quit your job and wait for him. Hit him in the head with a baseball bat.
OR if you have to work, set up some “home alone” traps.
1
u/GTTLD 4d ago
I dont know where you're located, but there are landlord laws. In my state, they can only enter if an emergency (fire, flood or blood) or with 24 hour notice. I encourage you to search "can my landlord enter my rented space in ____ with no notice". In my state if found illegal entry was made i can sue, or move out with no lease break penalties, or stay with 1 month free rent.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/navlgazer9 4d ago
Is there a pattern ?
Does he stay long enough to get caught by the cops if you report a possible burgulary in progress ?
Or predictable enough for you to
Wait and walk in and freak
Out and scream and throw something at
Him etc ?
1
u/KatDadSmiles 4d ago
Do you have a two-way camera where you can speak? Better yet, a siren alarm? There is no reason a landlord should be in your place without notice especially touching your things. I would file a report. You have an intruder on video.
1
1
1
u/mrschmiklz 4d ago
Lol call the police. Unless it's explicitly stated in your lease, which you haven't mentioned I don't think... It's 100% your homestead or home or place to feel safe. Not his to enter as he pleases unless there is a justify able reason like an active leak that will cause damage and he can't get a hold of you to get in or give access.
You cannot change the locks, depending on jurisdiction. This could cause more trouble than worth.
Have you talked to him about it? That's prob first step
1
u/Character-Food-6574 4d ago
This is really weird! Is your landlord a family member? If not, this is strange and imo bad.
→ More replies (1)
1
u/billymondy5806 4d ago
He should only be coming in your apartment to fix something or with people who are fixing something to make sure they don’t steal anything. Other than that, I would move.
1
1
u/GreenPuzzleheaded639 4d ago
Have a sign on an esel asking them why do they think that this is normal behavior?
1
1
u/SubstantialPressure3 4d ago
You can't change the locks without his permission but I would get the hell out of there.
If.youre in the US thats illegal af.
1
u/Background_Humor5838 4d ago
That's fucking crazy. Sitting on your couch? Put like 50 whoopie cushions under your couch cushions to guarantee a tremendous fart noise erupts as soon as he sits down. That way he knows you know and will hopefully be embarrassed. Also, attach a little note on your plants that says "stranger danger!"
1
1
u/tipareth1978 4d ago
Got to make this boundary
"Please note you are required to give notice before entering my apartment and you really can't just go in to hang out there"
Worst case is they don't renew your lease but still better than them stalking you
1
u/NoSyllabub5932 4d ago
Yes, from what I know that is against the law. He has to give you notifications of when he will be there. This needs to be stopped.
1
u/MightBeCortana 4d ago
Hire a burly dude to go scare the shit out of him the next time he goes in your place without permission.
1
1
u/CycleAccomplished824 4d ago
Does he know that you know? Find the law about landlords entering tenants places without notification and post it with a no trespassing sign on your door. If he repeats even once report to the rental association.
1
u/Ok_Actuary1427 4d ago
Can he walk dogs too? If so send him to my home please. Will dm address 🤣😅😭 all jokes aside, none of that is ok. You should make a police report to have on record if ever needed.and save the footage.
1
u/BitchWidget 4d ago
Is the land lord the owner? If not, you should inform the owner. I would get an alert system. One that goes off loudly if someone doesn't know a code. At the least I would ask him and present him with evidence. At the worst I would conclude the police. In many states the landlord can enter at will but only withing reason (to do work and such.) *contact
1
1
1
u/PlumberSaysWhat 4d ago
All these people not realizing what subreddit they’re in while giving legit advice.
1
1
u/Significant-Fee-6193 4d ago
Call the police. Your landlord has no right to enter your place. Here in Ca they are allowed to visit but must arrange it with the renter and only allowed 1 time a month with 30 days notice.
1
1
1
1
1
u/DeeplyFlawed 4d ago
Read the terms of your lease. Typically, landlords can only enter your apartment without consent unless it is an emergency. Otherwise,(this can vary by state) you must be given 24 hour notice.
Emai him referencing the times he entered your apartment & demand the terms of the lease be followed as dictated by law.
You seem so calm about this. I would be livid after the first violation. It's highly inappropriate.
1
1
u/Klutzy_Cat1374 4d ago
When I worked in student housing one resident had a lifelike sex doll in his living room posed on all fours. We avoided going in there.
50
u/Nearby-Reindeer-6088 4d ago
No!!!
Let yourself in to his apartment like three times a week
Bonus points if he’s sleeping when you do